Breast Anatomy - Origins

Origins

The standard model of the human breast is largely based on anatomical dissections carried out on cadavers by Astley Cooper and published in 1840 under the title “Anatomy of the Breast”.

This model is based on wax casts and dissections prepared by Cooper. The casting procedure introduced several artefacts. The injection of coloured wax into milk duct openings at the nipple inflated those ducts, giving the impression that near the nipple they expand into milk storage sacs called lactiferous sinuses. Also, in order to illustrate the milk ducts, Cooper – who had likened them to the intertwined roots of a tree – laid them out in an ordered manner for the artist to draw. This ordered lay-out has been copied into anatomy diagrams ever since.

Until 2005, Cooper's results had never been corroborated by modern investigative methods. Consequently, Cooper's model still underlies most practitioners understanding of the lactating human breast.

Read more about this topic:  Breast Anatomy

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